Collide with the Sky — Pierce the Veil’s third studio album

Background and recording

Work on the album followed the band’s prior tours and earlier releases; songwriting for this record emphasized concise hooks and expanded dynamics to suit both intimate and festival settings. Recording and production aimed to retain the intensity of the group’s roots while introducing layered production elements and occasional guest vocals. The album was released in the United States on July 27, 2012 (United States release), and was promoted through a series of singles and touring dates.

Singles and collaborations

The lead single, "King for a Day," features Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens and was issued for digital download on June 5, 2012; it also gained traction on contemporary radio formats (contemporary radio) and received a widely viewed music video. The second single, "Bulls in the Bronx," arrived shortly before the album on June 25, 2012 to further raise awareness. These tracks exemplified the record’s blend of high-energy passages and singalong choruses.

Musical style and themes

Musically, the album balances aggressive guitar-driven sections with melodic, often vulnerable vocal moments. Lyrical themes explore personal struggle, loyalty, resilience and interpersonal conflict, delivered through direct phrasing and vivid imagery. The band leaned into anthemic songwriting while keeping passages of tension and release that have been central to the post-hardcore idiom.

Promotion and touring

To support the release, Pierce the Veil toured extensively in 2012, including participation in the Vans Warped Tour and a number of headline dates that featured the new material prominently in set lists. The increased exposure from singles and touring helped the band reach listeners beyond their established underground scene.

Reception and legacy

Upon release, the album drew generally positive responses from fans and many critics, who noted it as a consolidation of the band’s sound and a step toward broader recognition. The success of the lead single in particular opened opportunities for radio play and festival appearances. Over time, several tracks from the record have remained staples of the band’s live performances and are often cited by listeners as key entries in the group’s catalog.

Notable tracks and facts

• King for a Day — lead single featuring Kellin Quinn; notable for its guest vocal and video exposure.
• Bulls in the Bronx — second single released in advance of the album, used to promote the record on tour.
• The album was released by Fearless Records and followed Pierce the Veil’s earlier studio work; it helped broaden the band’s commercial visibility and set the stage for subsequent projects (band discography).

Collide with the Sky remains an influential release in the band’s output for its successful balance of accessibility and intensity. While rooted in a scene that prized raw energy, the record demonstrates how focused songwriting and select collaborations can extend a band’s reach without abandoning its core stylistic identity.